The Mediation Role of Coping With Stress in the Relationship Between Psychological Flexibility and Posttraumatic Growth in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Objectives: Active and adaptive coping strategies have been identified as factors that can assist cancer patients in effectively managing and overcoming the crisis, leading to the potential for post-traumatic growth during the diagnosis and treatment stages. Psychological flexibility is another factor that can protect individuals and promote more adaptive reactions to traumatic situations. The study aims to examine the investigation of the mediation role of coping with stress in the relationship between psychological flexibility and posttraumatic growth in cancer patients. Methods: This study was conducted with 97 (63 women, 34 male) participants aged between 38 and 82 who are literate and diagnosed with breast cancer or gynecological cancers (endometrial, cervical, vulvar) undergoing radiotherapy planning at the Radiation Oncology Clinic of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Hospital. Demographic Information Form, Psychological Flexibility Scale, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, and Coping Styles Scale were applied to the participants. The mediation effects were interpreted using bootstrap confidence intervals and VAF values. Results: This study showed that the active coping styles partially mediated the relationship between psychological flexibility and posttraumatic growth. Conclusion: In this regard, by organizing psychoeducational programs and interventions aimed at increasing psychological flexibility for individuals diagnosed with cancer or undergoing treatment, individuals can be enabled to cope with stress more actively, and thus post-traumatic growth can be achieved.